My constituency question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations, and it is in relation to the MV Portland vessel and its 38 Australian seafaring crew.
The MV Portland has been carrying alumina from Alcoa’s Kwinana plant to its smelter in Portland for 25 years. In the past, both through its smelter and through the use of the MV Portland, Alcoa has supported local people for local jobs and maintained a good relationship with the Portland community.
This latest decision to use foreign crew on a different ship to carry alumina is, however, extremely disappointing. It is a deliberate decision that raises a number of concerns about Alcoa’s approach and also about the federal government’s decision-making process.
A community assembly has been present on the port for over three weeks now, supporting these workers and supporting local people for local jobs.
My question to the minister is: what were the outcomes of her recent discussions with the federal government and Alcoa on this issue, and what will be the resolution of this important matter?